# South Korea reviews military exemptions

> South Korea plans military exemption review after footballers' Asian Games comments.
- Title: South Korea reviews military exemptions · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: South Korea plans military exemption review after footballers' Asian Games comments. South Korea will review military service exemptions for athletes…
- Keywords: south korea, military exemption, asian games, football, lee gi-hyuk, cho hwi-young, sports, South, Korea, reviews, military, exemptions
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/cqrky4y0v2pdo
- Published: 2026-10-07T09:48:42.218+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south korea, military exemption, asian games, football, lee gi-hyuk, cho hwi-young, sports
## South Korea military exemption review
South Korea's government says it intends to review military exemptions for athletes after South Korean footballers celebrated their exemptions at the Asian Games.
## Lee Gi-hyuk's comments
South Korean captain Lee Gi-hyuk sparked outrage by announcing he was 'not going to the military' after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games.

> not going to the military
## Minister calls for review
Culture, Sports and Tourism minister Choi Hwi-young says the military exemption system will 'inevitably have to be scaled back' after 50 years.

> inevitably have to be scaled back
## System criticism
Critics argue the system favors Asian Games gold medalists over world champions, with 36 of 44 beneficiaries at this year's Asian Games being in soccer and baseball.
## Key takeaway

South Korea will review military service exemptions for athletes following criticism of players who celebrated their exemptions after winning the Asian Games.